Possible Shortfall in Mission Support

October 14, 2009

Dear friends in Christ,

This past year has been one of significant challenges in funding the mission of the church. These challenges have come from the downturn in our economy coupled with giving decisions in response to actions at our Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis concerning human sexuality. Many of our congregations have experienced a decline in gifts for ministry and so has our Northern Illinois Synod.

Today, our synod officers and synod staff met to consider a possible shortfall of $400,000 in Mission Support by the end of our fiscal year in January 2010. In response to this possible shortfall, a number of contingencies were decided upon to meet this shortfall if it were to occur.

* First, up to $50,000 in our reserve fund will be used to offset the shortfall.

* Second, ministry teams and committees will be asked to not make any other expenditures except for those that are meeting- related.

* Third, spending on administrative costs (salaries, staff travel, auto replacement, office expenses, and equipment) will be reduced.

* Fourth, we may have to reduce our level of support for agencies and institutions. We will continue to monitor this possibility as the year progresses.

* Fifth, as a synod, we will maintain our commitment of sharing 55% mission support with the wider church for our ministry together.

Indeed, we face challenges in our ministry together. But in the midst of those challenges there is much for which to be grateful. We give thanks for God's rich and abundant grace in Christ that sustains us and moves us forward in ministry. Thanks be to God as well, for the faithfulness and generosity of the people and congregations of our Northern Illinois Synod in the sharing of gifts for ministry. We give thanks too, for the vibrant partnership in ministry that we share in our Northern Illinois Synod. It is through this partnership, expressed through the gifts for ministry in our congregations and those for mission support, that God's abundant grace in Christ can be loudly proclaimed.

Please take a moment to determine where your congregation is in gifts for mission support. If you are behind in the regular sharing of gifts, please consider how to become current. Your congregation's gifts along with those of the other congregations of our synod, enable us to boldly move forward in ministries that make a difference in people's lives. If your congregation is current, perhaps you might prayerfully consider a "second mile" gift of mission support that our ministries can remain strong and vibrant.

Thank you again for all you do in ministry. Thank you too, for your partnership in the ministry we share together in our Northern Illinois Synod.

Partners in Ministry,

Bishop Gary M. Wollersheim

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